A F-15E Strike Eagle used by the U.S. military. Photo: Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
The U.S. military said it launched "precision airstrikes" against Iranian-backed groups in eastern Syria early Wednesday.
Driving the news: President Biden directed the strikes in Deir ez-Zor, which "targeted infrastructure facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
- The strikes follow an attack against U.S. personnel by Iran-backed groups on Aug. 15, according to the statement.
- Although CENTCOM did not give any more details on that attack, CNN reports that Iran-backed fighters targeted the Green Village base near the border with Iraq, which resulted in no casualties nor damage.
What they're saying: "Today's strikes were necessary to protect and defend U.S. personnel," said CENTCOM spokesperson Col. Joe Buccino in the statement.
- "The United States took proportionate, deliberate action intended to limit the risk of escalation and minimize the risk of casualties."
- There was no immediate comment from Syria's state-run media nor Iran's government on the strikes.